THE Oxford Mail player ratings after Oxford United won 4-2 in a thrilling clash at home to Wigan Athletic.
JAMIE CUMMING
Made three good saves, in particular late on when he thwarted Callum McManaman at his near post with the score at 3-2 to United – 7.5
SAM LONG
Recovered well from a difficult first half, which saw him raced past by Jordan Jones for the opening goal of the night – 7
ELLIOTT MOORE
Made a good block to get in the way of a potentially dangerous Thelo Aasgaard cross, but picked up a needless yellow for a foul on Chris Sze. BOOKED – 7
CIARON BROWN
Tracked back and got in the way of a Martial Godo effort during a solid enough evening – 7
GREG LEIGH
Was beaten in the air by Aasgaard, which set up nervy last 10 minutes prior to Tyler Goodrham’s stoppage time goal – 7
MARCUS MCGUANE
Played in a double pivot with Jay Matete in the first half, before switching with Cameron Brannagan to play more advanced in the second period – 7
JAY MATETE
Caught the eye at times on his first U’s start, with his ability to break up play – 7
OWEN DALE
Cut a frustrated figure on the right-hand side in the first half, and came off at half-time for Goodrham. BOOKED – 6
CAMERON BRANNAGAN
Saw a 20-yard piledriver smash the post while the game was goalless, before getting on the scoresheet in the second half. BOOKED – 7.5
JOSH MURPHY
First league goal for the club was a wonderful arrowed strike into the bottom corner. His relief at the goal was clear on an evening when he showed how dangerous he can be. MAN OF THE MATCH – 8
MARK HARRIS
Great hold-up play before releasing Murphy for his goal. Could’ve scored late on, if not for a good block – 7.5
Oxford United’s proposed stadium at The Triangle could be the first in the country to be powered solely by electricity #oufc https://t.co/qGyk0A6HOD
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) February 14, 2024
SUBSTITUTES
Tyler Goodrham (for Dale, 46)
Hit the post with his trademark cutting in and getting a shot off, before a lovely half-volley sealed the points in stoppage time – 8
Ruben Rodrigues (for Matete, 67)
In the right place at the right time to grab his goal, and looked much fresher after a few jaded displays of late – 7.5
Billy Bodin (for Murphy, 75)
A calming presence in the final third after coming on – 6.5
Joe Bennett (for Harris, 90+6)
Unused: Eastwood, Thorniley, Burey.
Substitutes who come on after the 75th minute do not get a rating.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here